a play of lines

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a play of lines" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to art, design, or literature, where the arrangement or interaction of lines is being discussed. Example: "The artist's latest work is truly captivating; it's a play of lines that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"And, at the same time it's an abstract composition, a play of lines and forms".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Andre Kertesz made pictures from his window that emphasized a near-abstract play of line and shape, as in his famous 1954 image of Washington Square blanketed by snow.

The New York Times - Arts

The firm expects the overall market for equipment and services to grow in five years to more than €130 billion, from around €100 billion last year.By joining forces, the companies believe they can develop integrated products for telecoms operators vying to sell a "quadruple play" of fixed-line, broadband internet, wireless and television.

The Economist

Sidney Howard has discovered a play on the lines of "The Captive" written in 1901.

The New Yorker

His question was a play on a line of theirs -- specifically, the last line of the book.

The New York Times

(This is a play full of throwaway lines like, "We were discussing transcendental idealism over oysters, and one thing led to another".) Yet this "Voyage" is the opposite of a drag.

The New York Times

Sometimes one umpire has a different view of a play down the line.

The New York Times - Sports

Hackett said after the game that Testaverde had the authority, the freedom, to change a play at the line of scrimmage.

The New York Times - Sports

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning had used the play clock against defenses in previous games, waiting for the defense to commit to an alignment before calling a play at the line of scrimmage.

The New York Times - Sports

Outside of easier accessibility to quality bootlegs, there is a wider cultural trend at play here: a blurring of lines between real and fake, high and low, desirable and undesirable.

Vice

This tactic recalls an earlier collection entitled (with pardonable exaggeration) "One Thousand Avant-Garde Verse Plays" (1988) and containing a hundred plays of a few lines each.From hilarity to sobriety though not of a poker-faced kind.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a play of lines" when describing artwork or designs where the arrangement and interaction of lines are visually prominent and contribute significantly to the overall effect.

Common error

Avoid using "a play of lines" in situations where the interaction isn't directly related to visual elements. For instance, don't use it to describe a discussion or argument; instead, opt for phrases like "a clash of ideas" or "an exchange of views".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a play of lines" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it's used to describe the interaction and arrangement of lines, particularly in art, design, or visual contexts. It effectively names a specific visual characteristic or quality.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Arts

33%

Sports

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a play of lines" is a noun phrase used to describe the interaction and arrangement of lines, primarily in visual contexts such as art and design. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is relatively rare. It is suitable for both formal and informal settings, most commonly appearing in news media and art-related discussions. Related phrases include "an interplay of lines" and "a dance of lines", offering alternative ways to convey the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an interplay of lines

Emphasizes the interaction and relationship between lines.

a dance of lines

Suggests a more fluid and dynamic movement of lines.

a composition of lines

Highlights the structural arrangement of lines.

a linear arrangement

Focuses on the straight or sequential order of lines.

a pattern of lines

Emphasizes a recurring or regular arrangement of lines.

a network of lines

Suggests a complex and interconnected system of lines.

a study in lines

Implies a detailed examination or exploration of lines.

a configuration of lines

Highlights the specific arrangement and form of lines.

a juxtaposition of lines

Emphasizes the placement of lines side by side to create contrast or comparison.

a tapestry of lines

Suggests a rich and intricate arrangement of interwoven lines.

FAQs

How can I use "a play of lines" in a sentence?

You can use "a play of lines" to describe artwork, designs, or other visual compositions where the arrangement and interaction of lines are a key feature. For example, "The artist's work is truly captivating; it's "a play of lines" that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas."

What are some alternatives to "a play of lines"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "an interplay of lines", "a dance of lines", or "a composition of lines", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "a play of lines" formal or informal?

"A play of lines" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing art, design, or visual elements. The appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone than the phrase itself.

What does "a play of lines" typically describe?

"A play of lines" typically describes the way lines interact within a visual composition, creating a sense of movement, structure, or visual interest. It's often used in the context of art criticism or design analysis.